How to Customize Windows 7’s Search Settings

The Windows 7 search feature is a wonder compared to its predecessors. You can even customize Windows 7’s default search settings to fine-tune the results you get. These changes can speed up the process or make the search more thorough than before.

Most users want and need the default search settings. Although it’s easy to change the search settings, there are consequences to any changes you make. Make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks to any search modifications before you make them.

Choose Start→Documents. In the upper-left area, click the down-arrow next to Organize. Choose Folder and Search Options. Select the Search tab.

You see the Search options.

Use the tips below to make any changes you want to the Windows 7 search options.

Remember that altering the settings here can make all your searches painfully slow.